Absorbent article with improved surface fastening system

ABSTRACT

An article having a surface fastening system and a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system includes at least one first fastening element and at least on second fastening element. The first fastening element further includes an attached portion, partially joined to the article, at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and at least one hinge line disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing, the hinge line is positioned between the attached portion and the liftable portion. At least one second fastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and configured to be engageable with the liftable portion of the first fastening element. Articles such as disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, etc. are disclosed.

[0001] This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.09/918,265 filed Jul. 30, 2001. This application also is acontinuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 09/633,422 filed Aug.7, 2000 and prior application Ser. No. 09/633,423 filed Aug. 7, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention also relates to articles such as diapers,training pants, bibs, sanitary napkins and the like with an improvedsurface fastening system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Articles, absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articlessuch as diapers, training pants, bibs, sanitary napkins and the like arewell known in the art. Such absorbent articles are typically used toabsorb and contain bodily exudates such as feces, urine and/or menses,foods, or other substances. Until fairly recently, many of the absorbentarticles identified above were made from reusable materials such aswoven cloth materials including cotton and other absorbent fabrics. Manyconsumers have found that using disposable absorbent articles is moreconvenient than using reusable articles for various reasons.Accordingly, many different types of disposable absorbent articles,including disposable diapers such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.5,151,092 entitled “Absorbent Article with Dynamic Elastic Waist Featurehaving Predisposed Flexural Hinge” issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 22,1992 have achieved wide acceptance and commercial success.

[0004] Over the years, there have been many advancements related todisposable absorbent articles, including improvements in fasteningsystems, absorbency, and aesthetics. However, there is still a need forimprovement relating to fit, comfort, aesthetics, and overallperformance of such articles. For example, disposable diapers often donot look or feel like garments. Further, disposable diapers are oftendifficult for the user, whether it be the caregiver or child, toproperly fasten about the wearer. This can lead to poor fit, which canresult in leaks and/or reduced comfort for the wearer. Further, indiapers for active wearers and in refastenable pull-on diapers, such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,545 issued to Kline et al.,multi-directional resistance to disengagement is important to ensurethat the fasteners remain engaged while puling up and/or wearing thediaper.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an absorbentarticle with an improved fastening system. It would also be desirable toprovide an absorbent article with lower cost fastening system. It wouldalso be desirable to provide an absorbent article with improved fit,aesthetics, and overall performance. Further, it would be desirable toprovide an absorbent article with an improved fastening system thatprovides easier and more reliable fastening performance includingimproved resistance to disengagement during article use, thus requiringless fastening material than the prior art, for the same level offastening security.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides an article to be fastenedtogether, and in alternate embodiments, to be worn about a wearer. Theinvention includes a surface fastening system having a primary directionof load bearing. The surface fastening system has at least one firstfastening element, and at least one second fastening element. The firstfastening element includes an attached portion joined to the article, atleast one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and atleast one hinge line positioned between the attached portion and theliftable portion. The hinge line is disposed at an angle less than 90degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing. The secondfastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and isconfigured such that at least a portion of the second fastening elementis releasably engageable with at least a portion of the liftable portionof the first fastening element.

[0007] In alternate embodiments, the second fastening element may alsobe partially joined to the article and include a liftable portion. Thesurface fastening system may have a peel load capacity during use whichis greater than or equal to about 1000 grams. A functional model of peelresistance is used to describe and claim preferred embodiments of theinvention. The first fastening element liftable portion improves theoverall load carrying capacity of the surface fastening system duringarticle use. The surface fastening system preferably delivers improvedmultidirectional resistance to surface fastening system disengagementduring use. Many variations of the invention are possible, of whichseveral are specifically disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which isregarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from the following description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present inventionas a diaper in a flat configuration with portions of the structurecut-away to show the construction the article.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention fastened about a wearer.

[0011]FIG. 3 is an expanded view of the second fastening element portionof the surface fastening system shown in FIG. 2.

[0012]FIGS. 4A through 4C are plan views of alternative embodiments of asurface fastening system retaining element.

[0013] FIGS. 5A-D depict possible retaining element configurations.

[0014]FIGS. 6A and 6B are a plan view of an alternative embodiment of afirst fastening element.

[0015]FIG. 6C depicts a plan view of two hinge lines defined by acollection of attached portions.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first fastening element with two hingelines separated at distances X1 and X2.

[0017]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the article as adiaper.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the article as adiaper.

[0019]FIG. 10 is a three dimensional view of a perpendicular peel loadtest configuration.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a plan view of one embodiment of the first fasteningelement on a diaper first waist region.

[0021] FIGS. 11B-D are a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly.Note: For clarity the first fastening element is lifted away from thegarment facing surface to show the hinge line.

[0022]FIG. 12 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present inventionin a flat configuration with possible elastomeric and/or fastenerlocations identified.

[0023]FIG. 13 is a plan view of one embodiment of the first fasteningelement with a flap.

[0024] FIGS. 14A-14D are plan views of various first fastening elementhinge line configurations.

[0025]FIG. 15A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the firstfastening zone with a masking element.

[0026]FIG. 15B is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a firstfastening element with a masking element.

[0027] FIGS. 16A-16C depict a plan view of potential stiffening elementlocations.

[0028]FIG. 17 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin alternativeembodiment.

[0029]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a body wrap alternativeembodiment.

[0030] The drawings are for the purpose of illustration and are notnecessarily drawn to scale. Like reference numbers have been used toindicate like components in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] As used herein, the term “article” refers to any articleincluding a bib, diaper, sanitary napkin, medical bandage, utility belt,sling, absorbent article, or other device which carries load through asurface fastening system when the fastening elements are engaged. Thebib for example could be a child's bib fastened in the back. The slingmay be a sling for a broken arm that holds the arm in a place.

[0032] As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to devicesthat absorb and contain body exudates and, more specifically, refers todevices that are placed against or in proximity to the body of a wearerto absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Theterm “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbent articles whichgenerally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored orreused as absorbent articles (i.e., they are intended to be discardedafter a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted orotherwise discarded in an environmentally compatible manner). A“unitary” absorbent article refers to absorbent articles which areformed of separate parts united together to form a coordinated entity sothat they do not require separate manipulative parts like a separateholder and/or liner. As used herein, the term “diaper” refers to anabsorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent personsabout the lower torso. The present invention is also applicable to otherabsorbent articles such as incontinence briefs, pull-ups, prefasteneddiapers, refastenable diapers, incontinence undergarments, absorbentinserts, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, wipes,mops, bandages and the like.

[0033]FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the article as a diaper20 in a flat configuration with portions of the structure being cut-awayto show the construction of the diaper 20. The portion of the diaper 20,which faces the wearer, is oriented towards the viewer. As shown in FIG.1, the diaper 20 preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet 24; aliquid impervious backsheet 26; an absorbent core 28 which is preferablypositioned between at least a portion of the topsheet 24 and thebacksheet 26; opposite side panels 30; elasticized leg cuffs 32; a waistfeature 34; and a surface fastening system 40. The diaper 20 is shown inFIG. 1 to have a first waist region 36, a second waist region 38 opposedto the first waist region 36 and a crotch region 37 located between thefirst waist region 36 and the second waist region 38. The periphery ofthe diaper 20 is defined by the outer edges of the diaper 20 in whichlongitudinal edges 50 run generally parallel to the longitudinalcenterline 100 of the diaper 20 and end edges 52 run between thelongitudinal edges 50 generally parallel to the lateral centerline 110of the diaper 20.

[0034] The chassis 22 of the diaper 20 comprises the main body of thediaper 20. The chassis 22 comprises at least a portion of the absorbentcore 28 and preferably an outer covering including the topsheet 24and/or the backsheet 26. If the absorbent article comprises a separateholder and a liner, the chassis 22 generally comprises the holder andthe liner. (For example, the holder may comprise one or more layers ofmaterial to form the outer cover of the article and the liner maycomprise an absorbent assembly including a topsheet 24, a backsheet 26,and an absorbent core 28. In such cases, the holder and/or the liner mayinclude a holding element, which is used to hold the liner in placethroughout the time of use.) For unitary absorbent articles, the chassis22 comprises the main structure of the diaper 20 with other featuresadded to form the composite diaper structure. While the topsheet 24, thebacksheet 26, and the absorbent core 26 may be assembled in a variety ofwell-known configurations, preferred diaper configurations are describedgenerally in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled “Contractible SidePortions for Disposable Diaper” issued to Kenneth B. Buell on Jan. 14,1975; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,221,274 issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No.5,554,145 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone StructuralElastic-Like Film Web Extensible Waist Feature” issued to Roe et al. onSep. 10, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234 entitled “Disposable Pull-OnPant” issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411entitled “Zero Scrap Method For Manufacturing Side Panels For AbsorbentArticles” issued to Nease et al. on Dec. 3, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No.6,004,306 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional ExtensibleSide Panels” issued to Robles et al. on Dec. 21, 1999; each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

[0035] The backsheet 26 is generally that portion of the diaper 20positioned adjacent garment facing surface 45 of the absorbent core 28that prevents exudates absorbed and contained therein from soilingarticles which may contact the diaper 20, such as bedsheets andundergarments. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 26 is imperviousto liquids (e.g., urine) and comprises a thin plastic film such as athermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) toabout 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet films include thosemanufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. and soldunder the trade names X15306, X10962 and X10964. Other suitablebacksheet materials may include breathable materials, which permitvapors to escape from the diaper 20 while still preventing exudates frompassing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathable materials mayinclude materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materialssuch as film-coated nonwoven webs, microporous films such asmanufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIRNO and by Exxon Chemical Co., of Bay City, Tex., under the designationEXXAIRE, and monolithic films such as manufactured by ClopayCorporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Somebreathable composite materials are described in greater detail in PCTapplication Ser. No. WO 95/16746 published on Jun. 22, 1995 in the nameof E. I. DuPont; U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,648 issued on Aug. 17, 1999 toLaVon et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823 issued on Feb. 2, 1999 in the nameof Curro; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096 issued to Dobrin et al. on Nov. 5,1996. Each of these references is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

[0036] The backsheet 26 or any portion thereof, may be elasticallyextensible in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the backsheet26 may comprise a structural elastic-like film (“SELF”) web. Astructural elastic-like film web is an extensible material that exhibitsan elastic-like behavior in the direction of elongation without the useof added elastic materials and is described in more detail in U.S. Pat.No. 5,518,801 entitled “Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior”issued to Chappell, et al. on May 21, 1996, and which is incorporatedherein by reference. In alternate embodiments, the backsheet 26 maycomprise elastomeric films, foams, strands, or combinations of these orother suitable materials with nonwovens or synthetic films.

[0037] The backsheet 26 may be joined to the topsheet 24, the absorbentcore 28 or any other element of the diaper 20 by any attachment meansknown in the art. (As used herein, the term “joined” encompassesconfigurations whereby an element is directly secured to another elementby affixing the element directly to the other element, andconfigurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to anotherelement by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) that in turnare affixed to the other element.) For example, the attachment means mayinclude a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer ofadhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive.One preferred attachment means comprises an open pattern network offilaments of adhesive as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986 entitled“Disposable Waste-Containment Garment”, which issued to Minetola et al.on Mar. 4, 1986. Other suitable attachment means include U.S. Pat. No.4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; and U.S. Pat. No.4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on Jun. 27, 1989. Each of these patents isincorporated herein by reference. Satisfactory adhesives include thosemanufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn. and marketed asHL-1620 and HL-1358-XZP. Alternatively, the attachment means maycomprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamicmechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means or combinationsof these attachment means as are known in the art.

[0038] The topsheet 24 is preferably positioned adjacent body surface 47of the absorbent core 28 and may be joined thereto and/or to thebacksheet 26 by any attachment means known in the art. Suitableattachment means are described above with respect to means for joiningthe backsheet 26 to other elements of the diaper 20. In one preferredembodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 24 and the backsheet26 are joined directly to each other in some locations and areindirectly joined together in other locations by directly joining themto one or more other elements of the diaper 20.

[0039] The topsheet 24 is preferably compliant, soft feeling, andnon-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, at least a portion of thetopsheet 24 is liquid pervious, permitting liquid to readily penetratethrough its thickness. A suitable topsheet 24 may be manufactured from awide range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams,apertured plastic films, or woven or nonwoven materials of naturalfibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyesteror polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and syntheticfibers. If the topsheet 24 includes fibers, the fibers may be spunbond,carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed asis known in the art. One suitable topsheet 24 comprising a web ofstaple-length polypropylene fibers is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., aDivision of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass. under thedesignation P-8.

[0040] The topsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 andthe core 28. Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,536 issuedto DesMarais et al. on Jan. 9, 1990 entitled “Absorbent Article HavingElastic Strands”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 issued to Freeland on Feb. 5,1991 entitled “Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste MaterialIsolation”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,416 issued to Allen et al. on Aug. 6,1991 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having ElasticallyExtensible Topsheet”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775 issued to Freeland etal. on Dec. 14, 1993 entitled “Trisection Topsheets For DisposableAbsorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having SuchTrisection Topsheets”; each of which is incorporated by referenceherein. Preferably, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is made of ahydrophobic material or is treated to be hydrophobic in order to isolatethe wearer's skin from liquids contained in the absorbent core 28.

[0041] The absorbent core 28 may comprise any absorbent material that isgenerally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer'sskin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine andother certain body exudates. The absorbent core 28 may comprise a widevariety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposablediapers and other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp, whichis generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitableabsorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; melt blownpolymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened, modified orcross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps andtissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbentpolymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbentmaterial or combinations of materials. Exemplary absorbent structuresfor use as the absorbent assemblies are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,342,338 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article For Low-Viscosity FecalMaterial” issued to Roe on Aug. 30, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345entitled “Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Body Fluids and AbsorbentArticles Containing Such Materials” issued to DesMarais et al. on Nov.9, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207 entitled “Thin-Until-Wet Absorbent FoamMaterials For Aqueous Body Fluids And Process For Making Same” issued toDyer et al. on Feb. 7, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,316 entitled “SlittedAbsorbent Members For Aqueous Body Fluids Formed Of Expandable AbsorbentMaterials” issued to LaVon et al. on Mar. 14, 1995; and U.S. Pat. No.5,625,222 entitled “Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Fluids MadeFrom high Internal Phase Emulsions Having Very High Water-To-Oil Ratios”issued to DesMarais et al. on Jul. 22, 1997. Each of these patents isincorporated herein by reference.

[0042] The diaper 20 may also comprise side panels 30. The side panels30 may be elastic or extensible to provide a more comfortable andcontouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper 20 to thewearer and sustaining this fit throughout the time of wear well pastwhen the diaper 20 has been loaded with exudates since the elasticizedside panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expand and contract.The side panels 30 may also provide more effective application of thediaper 20 because even if the diaperer pulls one elasticized side panel30 farther than the other during application, the diaper 20 will“self-adjust” during wear. The diaper 20 may also comprise at least onewaist feature 34 that helps to provide improved fit and containment. Thewaist feature 34 may be elastic and/or extensible, or neither elastic orextensible.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention may also include pockets forreceiving and containing waste, spacers which provide voids for waste,barriers for limiting the movement of waste in the article, compartmentsor voids which accept and contain waste materials deposited in thediaper 20, and the like, or any combinations thereof. Examples ofpockets and spacers for use in absorbent products are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,514,121 issued to Roe et al. on May 7, 1996, entitled “DiaperHaving Expulsive Spacer,” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,236 issued to Dreieret al. on Dec. 15, 1992 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article HavingCore Spacers.”

[0044] The diaper 20 may also include such other features as are knownin the art including leg cuffs, front and rear ear panels, waist capfeatures, elastics and the like to provide better fit, containment andaesthetic characteristics. Such additional features are well known inthe art and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003; and U.S. Pat. No.5,151,092, which are incorporated by reference herein. In addition, thepresent invention may be suitable for other diaper embodiments includingthose disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,491 titled “Viscous Fluid BodilyWaste Management Article” issued Jan. 4, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,870titled “Fit And Sustained Fit Of A Diaper Via Chassis And CoreModifications” issued Feb. 23, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,430 titled“Absorbent Article With Macro-Particulate Storage Structure” issued Nov.2, 1999 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306 titled “Absorbent Article WithMulti-Directional Extensible Side Panels” issued Dec. 21, 1999, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] The article may also include a surface fastening system 40. On adiaper 20, the surface fastening system 40 preferably maintains thefirst waist region 36 and the second waist region 38 in a configurationso as to provide lateral tensions about the circumference of the diaper20 to hold the diaper 20 on the wearer. This lateral tension may be in aprimary direction of load bearing when the fastening system 40 engagesthe first waist region 36 and the second waist region 38. In a diaper20, the primary direction of load bearing is generally in the directionof the fastening load carried by the surface fastening system 40 whenthe fastening system 40 is in use. This is typically a shear loadbetween the first fastening element 49 located in the first waist region36 and the second fastening element 48 located in the second waistregion 38 when the surface fastening system is engaged. The peel loaddirection on a diaper 20 is generally a direction between the primarydirection of load bearing and a direction normal to the primarydirection of load bearing.

[0046] The present invention allows the fastening elements to reorientthemselves as various loads are applied during use. In a most basicdescription, the surface fastening system 40 allows a first fasteningelement 49 and a second fastening element 48 to at least partiallyreorient under load such that rather than being in a peel relationshipwith a load (peel mode), they at least partially lift into at least apartial shear relationship with the load. Thus, the surface fasteningsystem 40 is capable of staying fastened under a greater peel load thanotherwise possible. In at least one embodiment when the diaper 20 isfastened about the wearer, the second fastening elements 48 on the sidepanels 30 of the second waist region 38 engage the first fasteningelement(s) 49 disposed in the first waist region 36 to fasten the secondwaist region 38 to the first waist region 36. When the first fasteningelement 49 and second fastening element 48 shown in FIG. 1 are attached,a pant-like article is formed having a waist hoop 55 and a pair of legopenings 58 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0047] For a diaper 20, the surface fastening system 40 preferablycomprises two or more second fastening elements 48 as shown in FIG. 1.In FIG. 1, second fastening element 48 is disposed on one of the twoside panels 30 in the second waist region 38. The second fasteningelement 48 may be disposed in the second waist region 38 on the innersurface 67, on the backsheet 26, or otherwise attached to the side panel30 in the second waist region 38 in any fashion known in the art. Thesecond fastening element 48 may either be discrete separate elementsaffixed to the diaper 20 or a unitary piece of material that is neitherdivided nor discontinuous with an element of the diaper 20.

[0048] The present invention, in an embodiment such as a diaper 20, mayprovide an improved balance between skin marking and leg freedom whenthe article is properly fitted to the wearer. The present invention mayfurther require less retaining element 14 (hook & loop material) for agiven level of load caring during use, than a comparable prior artfastening system. When the diaper 20 is applied to a wearer, the firstfastening element 49 and the second fastening element 48 of thefastening system 40 may be connected over the front of the wearer's legwith a liftable portion 72 such that the leg may move freely. Thefastening system 40 may fasten the article 20 about the wearer with lessskin marking or leg restraint than the prior art. While the presentinvention is particularly useful for the attachment of an absorbentarticle about a wearer, it also would have application for any articleattachment where the applied load direction with respect to the fastenermay be manipulated by the hinged approach of the present invention toimprove the fastener's ability to remain fastened during use.

[0049] In one embodiment the surface fastening system 40 comprises atleast one first fastening element 49 and at least one second fasteningelement 48, the components and location of which are generallyinterchangeable with one another but may be unique with respect to theirrespective underlying attachment to the article. As shown in FIG. 1 thefirst fastening element 49 may be located on the first waist region 36and the second fastening element 48 may be located on the second waistregion 38. The first fastening element 49 and the second fasteningelement 48 may have a retaining element 14 or other means for releasablyengaging the first fastening element 49 and the second fastening element48. Engaging includes holding the first fastening element 49 and secondfastening element 48 together when the two are fastened. Adhesives, andhook and loop are two common types of retaining elements. Generally, anyknown retaining element 14 suitable for a surface fastening system 40 isacceptable. More details concerning the retaining element are discussedbelow. Interlocking fasteners such as buttons, zippers, buckles and thelike, however, are not surface fastening systems 40, or retainingelements 14 suitable for a surface fastening system 40.

[0050] In a diaper configuration as shown in FIG. 8, the first fasteningelement 49 may comprise at least one attached portion 73 which isattached to the article 20, and at least one liftable portion 72. Theliftable portion 72 is liftable from the article 20 and extends from theattached portion with a hinge line 11, which extends between theliftable portion 72 and attached portion 73. The second fasteningelement 48 is generally engageable with the first fastening element 49.The first fastening element 49 and second fastening element 48engagement may include all, or any portion of either fastening element.The first fastening element 49 may be disposed on the garment facingsurface 361 in the first waist region 36. The garment facing surface 361is generally the article surface which faces the clothing worn by thewearer such as a backsheet 26 or something attached to a backsheet 26such as a first fastening element 49 or second fastening element 48.Preferably, first fastening element 49 comprises at least one hinge line11 and at least one liftable portion 72. More preferably, the firstfastening element 49 may comprise two hinge lines 11 which are notperpendicular to the primary direction of load bearing, and two liftableportions 72.

[0051] First fastening element 49 and second fastening element 48 maycomprise a retaining element 14. As generally discussed above, theretaining element 14 may be used to releasably engage the firstfastening element 49 and second fastening element 48. The retainingelement 14 can include hook and loop, adhesive, cohesive,hermaphroditic, friction, static, and magnetic fasteners,macro-fasteners, and the like. Structural designs such as the fastenersdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/633,422 filed Aug. 7,2000, by The Procter & Gamble Co. are also contemplated.

[0052] The retaining element 14 may be located on the first fasteningelement 49 and/or the second fastening element 48. The retaining elementmay be located on the attached portion 73 and/or the liftable portion 72of either the first or the second fastening element. Preferably, for thefirst and second fastening elements, at least one retaining element 14is located at least partially on the liftable portion 72. In oneembodiment at least about 5% of the first or second fastening elementretaining element 14 is located on the corresponding liftable portion 72of either the first or second fastening element. Alternatively, at leastabout 10% of the first or second fastening element retaining element 14is located on the corresponding liftable portion 72 of either the firstor second fastening element. Alternatively, at least about 45% of thefirst or second fastening element retaining element 14 is located on thecorresponding liftable portion 72 of either the first or secondfastening element.

[0053] The retaining elements 14 on the first fastening element 49and/or the second fastening element 48 may be disposed at an anglerelative to the longitudinal centerline 100 and placed on the liftableportion 72 and/or the attached portion 73. FIG. 9 depicts a diaperembodiment wherein the second fastening element 48 has a retainingelement 14 across the entire second fastening element 48. The firstfastening element 49 has a retaining element 14 at each end. Theretaining element 14 is disposed partially upon the first fasteningelement 49 liftable portion 72 and partially on the first fasteningelement 49 attached portion 73.

[0054] The retaining element 14 may be one, or more than one piece ofmaterial. The retaining element may also be integral to either fasteningelement. The size, shape, and location of the retaining element 14 mayvary. The retaining element 14 may be square, rectangular, trapezoid,circular or any other shape or shapes. Four sample retaining element 14configurations are shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. FIG. 8 shows the retainingelement 14 on the first fastening element 49 overlapping all of theattached portion 73 and liftable portion 72. The second fasteningelement 48 may also comprise an attached portion 73 that is attached tothe article 20, and a liftable portion 72 that is liftable from thearticle 20 and extends from the attached portion 73 along the hinge line11. FIG. 8 shows the retaining element 14 on the second fasteningelement 48 overlapping part of the second fastening element attachedportion 73 and part of the second fastening element liftable portion 72.

[0055] The first fastening element 49 is attached to the article 20 byattached portion 73. For example, in one embodiment the attached portion73 would be uniformly attached to the backsheet 26. Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 6C, the attached portion 73 may be attached to the articleat one or more discrete locations that together create an area whichfunctions as an attached portion 73 even though some of the firstfastening element 49 between the attached portion is not directlyattached to the article 20. For example, in FIG. 6C there are multipleattached portions 73, a hinge line 11, a second hinge line 111, aliftable portion 72, and a second liftable portion 172. The liftableportions 72 and 172 are shown in FIG. 6C. The hinge line 11 and secondhinge line 111 in FIG. 6C are shown defined by the laterally outboardlongitudinal edge of the attached circular portions 73. Attachment ofthe attached portion 73 to the article 20 may be by any means known inthe art including thermal bonding, adhesives, ultrasonic bonding,stitching, or combinations thereof.

[0056] The first fastening element 49 (the landing zone) and/or secondfastening element 48 may include a variety of construction combinations,some embodiments of which are shown in FIGS. 11B-11D. The firstfastening element 49 and/or second fastening element 48 are generallyattached to the article with at least one attached portion 73. The firstfastening element 49 and/or second fastening element 48 may include oneor more retaining elements 14 attached to the first fastening element 49by any means known in the art. For clarity in FIGS. 11B-11D, theliftable portion 72 of first fastening element 49 is shown lifted awayfrom the garment facing surface 361 to show the hinge line 11.

[0057] Preferably, the first fastening element 49 attached portion 73 isattached to the article 20 on the garment facing surface 361 in thefirst waist region 36 and the liftable portion 72 lifts from the garmentfacing surface 361. FIG. 11B shows a cross sectional view of the firstfastening element 49 shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B shows a retainingelement 14 and a backing 92 disposed between the retaining element 14and the garment facing surface 361. The backing 92 is connected to theretaining element 14 and the garment facing surface 361 at the attachedportion 73. FIG. 11C shows a cross sectional view of the first fasteningelement 49 shown in FIG. 11A wherein the liftable portion 72 has abacking 92 that extends beyond the retaining element 14. This extensionof backing 92 may be used as a grasping point for attaching the firstand second fastening elements. FIG. 11D shows a cross sectional view ofthe first fastening element 49 shown in FIG. 11A wherein the liftableportion 72 is the retaining element 14 without a backing 92.

[0058] Embodiments have also been contemplated in which at least aportion of the second fastening element 48, the first fastening element49, and/or components thereof such as backing 92 or retaining elements14 include an extensible or elastomeric carrier web. At least a portionof the carrier web may be unjoined from the underlying structure of thearticle. Any extensible and/or elastomeric/elastic materials, includingthose previously referenced herein, may be used as the carrier web. Oneexample of a carrier web is a vacuum formed elastomeric material such asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/816,106 filed on Mar.14, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference. An elastomeric orextensible first or second fastening element may contribute to thetransfer of peel load to shear load in the fastening system 40.

[0059] The hinge line 11 generally separates (lies between) the attachedportion 73 and the liftable portion 72. The hinge line 11 may extend inany direction with respect to the longitudinal centerline 100 and thelateral centerline 110 as shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 14A-14C. Preferably,the hinge line is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline 100 suchthat it intersects both the longitudinal centerline 100 and the lateralcenterline 110. In addition, the hinge line 11 may diverge from thelongitudinal centerline 100 as it moves away from the lateral centerline110 of the absorbent article. More preferably, the hinge line 11 may beintersected by the primary direction of load bearing at an angle lessthan 90 degrees. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand thatif one intersecting angle is less than 90 degrees, the adjacent angle isgreater than 90 degrees. Stated more directly, the hinge line 11 ispreferably not perpendicular to the primary direction of load bearing.

[0060] The hinge line 11 may run generally in a straight line or it mayrun in any contour. FIGS. 6A-6B, 8, and 14A-14C, show the hinge line 11with various contours. Part of the hinge line 11 may be parallel toeither the longitudinal centerline 100 or the primary direction of loadbearing at transition points in some embodiments. For example, where ahinge line 11 is curved, a tangent to the curve may be parallel to thelongitudinal centerline 100. In an embodiment such as a diaper 20, acontoured hinge line 11 may preferably follow a path from a point closerto the intersection of the longitudinal centerline 100 and the lateralcenterline 110, to a point further away from this intersection in orderto provide ease of leg movement under the fastening system 40.

[0061] Hinge lines 11 that intersect the longitudinal centerline 100 andthe lateral centerline 110 are advantageous. The low motion zone 340 isgenerally within the low motion zone perimeter 341 defined by the legcreases and belly crease, forming a generally triangularly shaped areain the wearer's pubic area as shown in FIG. 2. Fitting the hinge line 11in the low motion zone 340 and/or along the perimeter 341 of the lowmotion zone 340 between the leg opening 58 and the waist hoop 55optimizes fit and reduces skin marking caused by the diaper 20.

[0062] The second fastening element 48 may be fastened to thecorresponding first fastening element 49 (landing zone) at an anglebetween the longitudinal centerline 100 and the lateral centerline 110and generally along the perimeter 341 of the low motion zone 340 suchthat leg marking is further reduced and leg freedom of movement isfurther increased. When the hinge line(s) 11 are angled, as shown inFIGS. 7, 8, and 14A-14D, more material is available for fastenerattachment to resist loads in the primary direction of load bearingwhile still allowing freer movement by the wearer in other directions,e.g. the movement of the wearers legs while wearing a diaper. This mayreduce the amount or cost of the fastening system 40 retaining element14 required to maintain the article in a fastened configuration duringuse. In addition, placing the liftable portion 72 across the wearer atlocations such as the upper thigh may reduce skin marking in that areadespite the motions of the wearer. Further, keeping the first fasteningelement 49 partially attached laterally outboard (resulting from anangled hinge line 11) helps to maintain proper fit during use. Thefastening system 40 can for example, straddle the perimeter 341 of thelow motion zone 340 between the leg openings 58 and the waist hoop 55and remain fastened while still allowing freer leg motion and a reducedrisk of skin marking during use. In another embodiment, an outward angleof the hinge line 11 provides a fastening point closer to the distaledge 68 of the first waist region 36 as shown in FIG. 9. The angledhinge line 11 may allow less restrained leg movement while stillminimizing diaper roping. Roping results when the first waist region 36and second waist region 38 roll and separate after surface fasteningsystem 40 attachment, creating a gap between the two regions. In adiaper 20, the outward and upward angle of the hinge line 11 helps keepthe chassis 22 in place for a proper fit during use.

[0063] A diaper 20 embodiment may have one or more hinge lines 11 thatextend generally along the perimeter 341 of the low motion zone 340between the leg openings 58 and the waist hoop 55. As shown in FIG. 10,shear load is load in the x and y plane of the fastened first and secondfastening elements and peel load is in the yz through xz planes. Thepresent invention allows the fastener to change it's orientation to theload and carry what would otherwise be a peel load as a shear load. Thefastening system 40 reorients itself during peel loading by lifting theliftable portion 72 to transfer some of the applied load from a peelload to a shear load. Thus, the peel load capacity is increased byconverting the peel load to a shear load with respect to the fastener bylifting the liftable portion 72. In a diaper 20, the designed surfacefastening system 40 reorients the fastening interface when under load,for example loads created by movement of the wearers legs, allowinggreater resistance to unintentional fastener disengagement.

[0064] The surface fastening system 40 may become disengaged in a peelmode and/or a shear mode. The peel mode exists when the first fasteningelement 49 is held stationary or pulled in a generally perpendicular orangled direction away from the second fastening element 48. The secondfastening element 48 may be pulled off the first fastening element 49sequentially by oppositely directed forces acting in a directiongenerally perpendicular or at an angle to the surfaces being separatedas shown in FIG. 10. For example, in a hook and loop surface fasteningsystem, each row or line of hooks may be disengaged a little at a timeuntil all the hooks are disengaged from their respective loops. Thisresults in the overall surface fastener being progressively disengagedfrom a first point to a second point such as from a first edge to asecond edge. The peel performance of hook and loop systems is verysensitive to the cost/performance ratio. Generally, to obtain higherpeel load resistance, a higher basis weight loop is used whichultimately translates to more loops, thicker fabric, stronger adhesives,and greater overall cost.

[0065] A shear mode of disengagement, in comparison, exists when the twocomponents are being pulled apart by oppositely directed forces lying inthe same plane as the surfaces being joined. The shear mode ofdisengagement is a sliding, linear action, in contrast to the peel modedisengagement that is a curvilinear type of motion or action. Generally,a surface fastening system 40 requires less peel force than shear forceto disengage the surface fastening system 40. Thus, a surface fasteningsystem 40 is more likely to fail in a peel mode than in a shear mode. Atransfer of peel load to shear load may allow a lower basis weight loopor adhesive, which ultimately may translate to a lesser overall cost.

[0066] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a surfacefastening system 40 provides for multi-directional resistance to peelmode disengagement. In a refastenable pull-on diaper, for example, thesurface fastening system 40 may be subjected to forces in manydirections as the diaper is pulled on over the wearer's feet, ankles,knees, buttocks, etc. The article is also subject to forces in manydirections after application as the wearer moves their waist hips,buttocks and legs. It is preferable that the surface fastening system 40not disengage when it is subjected to these forces. However, at the sametime the surface fastening system 40 is preferably not difficult todisengage when the diaper is being intentionally removed from thewearer. Thus, it is preferable that the surface fastening system 40 havedifferent levels of resistance to disengagement in different directions.

[0067] The surface fastening system 40 may generally comprises a peelload capacity when subject to a peel load and a shear load capacity whensubject to a shear load, wherein the peel load capacity is increased byconverting the peel load to the shear load by lifting the liftableportion 72. In one embodiment the surface fastening system 40 may have apeel load capacity that is greater than or equal to about 1000 grams,greater than about 1300 grams, greater than about 1600 grams, or greaterthan about 2000 grams.

[0068]FIG. 2 depicts a diaper 20 affixed on a wearer. The surfacefastening system 40 preferably maintains the first waist region 36 andthe second waist region 38 in a configuration so as to provide lateraltensions about the waist hoop 55 of the diaper 20 to hold the diaper 20on the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the surface fastening system40 will fasten to the front of the wearer. Fastening to the front of thewearer may be accomplished by having the first fastening element 49positioned on the article such that it is to the front of the wearer.FIG. 2 shows two axes, an x-axis generally oriented about the waist ofthe wearer and a y-axis generally oriented vertically on the wearer in astanding position. A z-axis is generally perpendicular to the x-axis andthe y-axis and extends out of the plane of FIG. 2. In one embodiment,the x-axis defines the primary direction of load bearing. For a diaper,the x-axis primary direction of load bearing is lateral tension aboutthe circumference (waist hoop 55) holding the diaper around the waist ofthe wearer.

[0069] In FIG. 3, the article may have a surface fastening system 40such as a hook and loop, hermaphroditic, adhesive, cohesive and/ormagnetic fastener. In one embodiment, the fastening system 40 isdisengaged by the distal edge X_(a). The distal edge X_(a) is peeledaway in the xz-plane such that the surface fastening system 40 isprogressively disengaged by peeling from the distal edge X_(a) to theproximal edge X_(b) along the x-axis. Thus, the surface fastening system40 preferably is not as difficult to peel in the xz-plane from thedistal edge X_(a) to the proximal edge X_(b) (so that the diaper may beeasily removed from the wearer), as it is to disengage under a peel loadin the yz-plane (so that the diaper may remain affixed during normaluse). Alternatively, at least a portion of the distal edge X_(a) ispreferably easier to remove in order to start the peeling action. Thus,it is preferable that at least a portion of the distal edge X_(a) of thesurface fastening system 40 is easy to disengage in a peel mode by aforce located substantially in the xz-plane for at least a portion ofthe path from the distal edge X_(a) to the proximal edge X_(b). However,the surface fastening system 40 may become progressively more difficultto disengage as the peel mode disengagement progresses toward theproximal edge X_(b).

[0070] The surface fastening system 40 includes longitudinally inboardedge Y_(a) and longitudinally outboard edge Y_(b) as shown in FIG. 3.Further, FIG. 2 depicts axes y′ and y″ that are offset from the y-axisby an angle α on either side of the y-axis. Preferably, the surfacefastening system 40 is able to remain fastened when subjected to peelforces in all the planes between the y′z-plane and the y″z-plane,including the yz-plane when the peel forces act on the longitudinallyinboard edge Y_(a) and/or the longitudinally outboard edge Y_(b). Allplanes extend in the positive and negative direction from the coordinateaxis.

[0071] The surface fastening system 40 should usually remain fastenedduring normal use. Preferably, the surface fastening system 40 has apeel load capacity when subjected to peel forces during use in adirection other than in the xz-plane through y′z-plane that is greaterthan about 1000 grams, more preferably greater than about 1300 grams,even more preferably greater than about 1600 grams, and yet even morepreferably greater than about 2000 grams. Generally, a surface fasteningsystem 40 peel load capacity of between about 2000 grams and 6000 gramsmay be used. Preferably, the surface fastening system 40 peel forcedirection includes a direction in the y′z-plane through the y″z-plane.The angle α is preferably about 20 degrees, more preferably about 30degrees, even more preferably about 40 degrees, yet even more preferablyabout 50 degrees and most preferably about 60 degrees.

[0072] Intentional fastening system disengagement during articleremoval, with or without lifting the liftable portion, occurs in the xzplane through y′z-plane. Preferably, at least a portion of the distaledge X_(a) shown in FIG. 3, may become disengaged in a peel mode by aforce oriented in the xz-plane through y′z-plane that is less than theforce that will cause the surface fastening system 40 to becomedisengaged in a peel mode by a force in a direction other than in thexz-plane (e.g. the peel load required to intentionally release thefastening system in one peel direction is less that the peel loadrequired to disengage the fastening system during use in a differentpeel direction). More preferably, at least a portion of the distal edgeX_(a) may become disengaged in a peel mode (e.g. intentional fasteningsystem disengagement during article removal without lifting the liftableportion) by a peel force directed in the xz-plane which is less than orequal to about 1000 grams. Even more preferably at least a portion ofthe distal edge X_(a) of the surface fastening system may becomedisengaged in a peel mode by a peel force directed in the xz-plane whichis less than or equal to about 750 grams. Yet even more preferably atleast a portion of the distal edge X_(a) of the surface fastening system40 may become disengaged in a peel mode by a peel force directed in thexz-plane less than or equal to about 500 grams.

[0073] The surface fastening system 40 of the present invention may bedesigned to achieve a certain resistance to peel mode disengagement. Forexample, changes in design, structure, attachment and/or material mayaffect the resistance of the surface fastening system 40 to peel modedisengagement. A change in design may include the dimension of thefastener at the edge that is resisting peel mode disengagement or theoverall shape of the engaging area. A longer y-dimension 46, as shown inFIG. 3, for the fastening system 40 results in a greater resistance topeel mode disengagement along the longer y-dimension edge. For example,a surface fastening system 40 having a resistance to peel modedisengagement of about 800 grams along a 0.5 inch edge will generallyhave a resistance to peel mode disengagement of up to about 1600 gramsat the edge if the length of the edge is increased to about one inch.Also, the overall shape of the engaging area of the surface fasteningsystem 40 may be optimized to minimize the cost and/or difficulty indisengaging the surface fastening system 40 in one direction whilemaximizing the resistance to peel mode disengagement in anotherdirection. On some surface fastening systems 40, the resistance to peelmode disengagement in various directions may also be selectivelyenhanced or reduced by enhancing or damaging portions of the fasteningsystem 40 as disclosed later herein. Further, the structure may bemodified in order to increase or decrease the resistance of thefastening system 40 to peel mode disengagement. One such embodiment of amodification would be by including a liftable portion 72 along a hingeline 11 such that it protects the y-dimension edge 46 of the fasteningsystem 40 from disengaging in a peel mode.

[0074] The resistance to peel mode disengagement may also be affected bythe selection of the fastening materials used in the surface fasteningsystem 40. For example, some fastening materials have an inherentlyhigher resistance to peel mode disengagement than other materials,commonly referred to as an aggressive fastener. Although use of anaggressive fastening material may increase the resistance to peel modedisengagement in the desired direction, the use of this material, in theabsence of other design criteria, may result in an unacceptably highresistance to peel mode disengagement in another direction. In certainpreferred embodiments, the surface fastening system 40 may have inherentdirectionality in peel resistance thus enabling peel to be maximized inone or more directions with minimal or no increase in peel in otherdirections. For example, hooks may be manufactured having an orientationas disclosed in U.S. Pat No. 6,054,091 issued to Miller, et al on Apr.25, 2000 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,415 issued to Goulait, et al on Jul. 5,1994, each of which is incorporated by reference. In such hooks or otherfastening materials with inherent directionality, the orientationinherent in the raw material may not result in the desired orientationin the product. In such cases, the fastening material may be re-orientedduring manufacture of the product in order to result in the desireddirectionality on the finished product.

[0075] When the wearer is active or when the diaper 20 is pulled ontothe wearer, the surface fastening system 40 will also preferably remainfastened in the presence of peel forces in directions other than in thexz-plane. The first fastening element 49 and/or the second fasteningelement 48 may have a liftable portion 72 which is liftable in at leastthe xz-plane, allowing the surface fastening system 40, when fastenedand under load, to move out of a more peel load bearing orientation withthe load into a more shear load bearing orientation. Two orthree-dimensional movement may be possible for the liftable portion 72when surface fastening system 40 is fastened. Since fasteners generallymay handle more shear load than peel load, the surface fastening system40 load carrying capacity may be improved for loads that would otherwisebe carried by the fastening system 40 in a peel orientation.

[0076] Exemplary Embodiments

[0077] Some embodiments of the surface fastening systems 40 of thepresent invention are described in detail below. These examples aremeant to describe several embodiments of the present invention and arenon-limiting. One skilled in the art may be able to build differentexamples based upon the concepts taught in this detailed description inorder to achieve the desired functional characteristics of the presentinvention.

[0078] The peel resistance in the yz and xz-planes of FIG. 2 may bedifferent. One method of achieving different peel resistances is bychanging the dimensions of the retaining element 14 in the xy-plane.FIG. 3 shows one example of a design in which the dimensions of theretaining element 14 is optimized for a higher resistance to peel modedisengagement in the yz-plane and a lower resistance to peel modedisengagement in the xz-plane. The fastening material includes twodimensions, an x-dimension 45 generally oriented along the x-axis, and ay-dimension 46 generally oriented along the y-axis as shown in FIG. 2.In this embodiment, the horizontal or x-dimension 45 is longer than thevertical or y-dimension 46. Thus, the resistance to peel modedisengagement may be greater in the yz-plane than in the xz-plane. Inone particular embodiment, for example, the surface fastening system 40may include a hook and loop fastener in which at least the engaged areain common between the hook fastening element and the loop fasteningelement have the shape as shown in FIG. 3 when configured as intendedfor use of the article. The hook fastening element, for example, mayhave an x-dimension 45 of about 1.0 inch and a y-dimension 46 of about0.5 inch. The loop fastening element may have the same or largerdimensions as the hook material. In this embodiment, the resistance topeel mode disengagement in the yz-plane may be about twice that of theresistance to peel mode disengagement in the xz-plane for hook and loopsystems with minimal inherent directionality. Alternatively in thisexample, the resistance to peel mode disengagement in the yz-plane maybe greater than twice the resistance to peel mode disengagement in thexz-plane if the hook and loop system has high inherent directionalitywith peel maximized for the yz-plane direction. By altering thex-dimension 45 relative to the y-dimension 46, preferred ranges ofyz-plane peel resistance and xz-plane peel resistance can be achieved.

[0079] In another embodiment, the shape of the retaining element 14 maybe optimized for a higher resistance to peel mode disengagement in, forexample, the yz-plane and a lower resistance to peel mode disengagementin, for example, the xz-plane. FIGS. 4A through 4C, for example, showpossible shapes of retaining elements 14 that may be used in a surfacefastening system 40. Generally, the surface fastening system 40 and/orfastening elements will comprise at least one retaining element 14. FIG.4A shows a typical rectangular-shaped retaining element 14. FIG. 4Bshows one embodiment of a retaining element 14 of the present inventionin which the shape of the retaining element 14 has been designed inorder to decrease the resistance to peel mode disengagement in theyz-plane as peel progresses from edge A to edge B by decreasing aneffective dimension X along at least a portion of the path from edge Ato edge B. Thus, the resistance to yz-plane peel is initially higher atedge A and may decrease at some point between edge A and edge B. Theinitial peel resistance at the laterally inboard edge C, however, hasbeen decreased by shaping the laterally inboard edge C so that theeffective dimension X in the y-direction increases for at least aportion of the path from edge C to laterally outboard edge D. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4B, y-dimension Y1 is smaller than Y2 and Y3.Thus, resistance to peel in the xz-plane increases from Y1 to Y3. In oneparticular embodiment, the surface fastening system 40 retaining elementmay include a hook and loop fastener shaped as shown in FIG. 4B. In FIG.4B, the effective length of dimension Y increases along at least aportion of the path from edge C to edge D, and the effective dimension Xdecreases along at least a portion of the path from edge A to edge B. Incertain embodiments such as shown in FIG. 4C, the effective dimension Xmay initially decrease or increase along a portion of the path from edgeA′ to edge B′ then increase or decrease along another portion of thepath from edge A′ to edge B′.

[0080] In alternative embodiments, the peel resistance of a surfacefastening system 40 may be selectively altered by varying the effectiveshape of the retaining element 14 of the surface fastening system 40 inaddition, or as an alternative to, altering the actual shape of theretaining element 14 of surface fastening system 40 as discussed above.For example, FIG. 4C shows another particular embodiment of a surfacefastening system 40 of the present invention in which a generallyrectangular patch of retaining element 14 fastening material is renderedeffectively trapezoidal shaped by selectively damaging a portion of theretaining element 14. For example, portions of the retaining element 14may be damaged such as by mechanical bonding, ultrasonic bonding,selective heating, or any other process capable of disabling a portionof a fastening element. In this embodiment, a first portion 62 of theretaining element 14 may be selectively damaged in order to lower thepeel resistance of the surface fastening system 40 in that area, and asecond portion 64 may be used to provide a higher peel resistance in anarea where the higher peel resistance is desired.

[0081]FIGS. 6A and 6B show embodiments in which the peel resistance ofthe surface fastening system 40 may be selectively enhanced. In FIGS. 6Aand 6B, for example, liftable portion 72 of first fastening element 99may be unjoined from the underlying structure of the article 20. Inthese figures, the attached portion 73 of the first fastening element99, which may be joined to the underlying structure of the article 20,is shown crosshatched. The liftable portion 72 extends from the attachedportion 73 along the hinge line 44. As used herein, extending fromincludes the liftable portion 72 being adjacent to or connected toattached portion 73. In this embodiment, all or a portion of theliftable portion 72 of the first fastening element 99 is free to pullaway from the underlying structure of the article. This may increase thepeel resistance of the surface fastening system 40. Without being boundby theory, it is believed that as the liftable portion 72 pulls awayfrom the underlying structure of the article, the disengagement modeshifts gradually away from a peel mode to a shear mode of disengagement.In many surface fasteners such as a hook and loop fastener, it isgenerally more difficult to disengage the fastener in shear mode than inpeel mode. Thus, the resistance to disengagement of the fastening system40 to a force generated during the use of the article in the yz-planethrough xz-plane (peel force) may be increased.

[0082] The above described approaches may be used alone or incombination to achieve the desired peel resistance in the yz- andxz-planes. Thus, by changes in design, structure, attachment and/ormaterial, a system may be created to meet the functional requirementsdefined herein for resistance of the surface fastening system 40 to peelmode disengagement.

[0083] The fastening system 40 may be pre-fastened before application tothe wearer. This allows the article to be used as a pull-on type diaper,such as a training pant. In other preferred embodiments, the product maybe delivered to the consumer at least partially pre-fastened. Forexample, second fastening elements 48 of the surface fastening system 40may be joined with a first fastening element(s) 49 during the article'smanufacture in order to pre-fasten the surface fastening system 40. Thismay be accomplished by any means known in the art including for exampleadhesive and/or hook and loop. Pre-fastening of the article during itsmanufacture allows the consumer to slip the product over the wearer'sfeet and pull it in place about the torso as one does a traditional pullon article. Yet, the fasteners enable the user to disengage thefasteners if they so choose and fasten the article about the wearerwithout needing to remove lower body clothing, such as pants, stockings,or shoes.

[0084] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the first fasteningelement 49 has two divergent hinge lines 11, one on each side of thelongitudinal centerline 100 of the diaper 20. The distance between thehinge lines 11 at a point closest to the lateral centerline 110 isdefined as a distance X1. The distance between the hinge lines 11 at thepoint furthest from the lateral centerline 110 is defined as a distanceX2. In one embodiment of the present invention, X1 is always less thanX2. In another embodiment, X1 is about 60 mm or less. In anotherembodiment X2 is about 130 mm or larger.

[0085] Regardless of orientation of the hinge line 11, the retainingelement 14 may be oriented parallel to the lateral centerline 10 of theproduct or at any angle relative to the lateral centerline 110 as shownin FIG. 9. A preferred embodiment includes a hinge line 11 and retainingelement 14 of the first fastening elements 49 both oriented such thatthey intersect (at an angle other than parallel to) the lateralcenterline 110. The hinge line 11 and retaining element 14 of the secondfastening element 48 may also be oriented such that they intersect (atan angle other than parallel to) the lateral centerline 110.

[0086] In a diaper 20 embodiment, the side panel 30, backsheet 26,and/or a surface fastening system 40 component such as the firstfastening element 49, first fastening element liftable portion 72,and/or second fastening element 48 may include extensible and/orelastomeric materials. The extensible and/or elastomeric materials mayprovide a better fit or improved wearer comfort. The extensible and/orelastomeric materials may also allow the product to be used as a pull-onarticle. Pull-on usage would include fastening the first fasteningelement 49 to the second fastening element(s) 48 prior to putting thearticle on the wearer. Extensible material allows increased path lengthof stretchable materials around the leg to provide further freedom forleg movements in various article embodiments. The location of theextensible and/or elastomeric materials may vary. Possible extensibleand/or elastomeric material locations 31 are shown in FIG. 12. Theselocations include the first waist region 36, and the second waist region38. A preferred embodiment may have an angled elastomeric materiallocations 31 on the article side panel(s) 30, providing more stretch atthe wearer's hips and less around the wearer's leg openings when thearticle worn by the wearer.

[0087] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 15A, a masking element 12 maybe used to make less visible to an observer the lifting of liftableportion 72. The masking element 12 may at least partially surroundliftable portion 72. A planar view of this embodiment is shown in FIG.15B. The masking element 12 may be attached to the backsheet 26 and theliftable portion 72. In other embodiments the masking element 12 may beattached to the backsheet 26, the retaining element 14, first fasteningelement 49, second fastening element 48, or combinations and componentsthereof. It may be preferred to have the masking elements 12 beextensible or elastomeric. However, the masking element 12 may benon-extensible and non-elastomeric and gathered to provide sufficientpath length for lifting the liftable portion 72 from the underlyingarticle 20 as shown in FIG. 15A.

[0088] The first fastening member may include a flap 75 that is attachedto the first fastening element 49 as shown in FIG. 13, or any other partof the article 20. The flap 75 may contain a retaining element 14 thatengages with the second fastening element 48 on the surface opposite thefirst fastening element when the first and second fastening elements areengaged. The second fastening element would have retaining elements 14of two sides, one side would engage the first fastening element 49 andthe other would engage the flap 75. The additional flap 75 retainingelements 14 and second fastening element 48 retaining elements 14provide additional fastening strength to the fastener system 40. Furtherdetails of a flap configuration are available in previously referencedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/633,422. Previously incorporated byreference.

[0089] Supplemental stiffening elements 88 function to reduce theflexibility of the diaper 20 waist and improve the articles visualappearance. The surface fastening system 40 may include supplementalstiffening elements 88 to provide the best overall fit and reduceroping, especially at the waist 55 of a diaper 20 as shown in FIG. 2.FIGS. 16A-16D show embodiments of the first fastening element 49 whichcontain one or more stiffening element(s) 88. The stiffening elements 88may further reduce article roping or other undesirable deformationduring article use. Generally, the stiffening element 88 may comprise acomponent of the article, e.g. diaper 20. The stiffening element 88 maybe part of the surface fastening system 40 including the first fasteningelement 49, second fastening element 48, any attached portion 73, anyunattached portion 72, or in combination thereof. The stiffening element88 may be made from any material known it the art and may be made by anyprocess known in the art. Preferable materials include plastic and paperproducts. Other processes could include making the first fastener 49thicker in some locations or adding a stiffening catalyst to thoseportions of the fastening system in which a stiffening zone is desired.

[0090]FIG. 17 shows an example of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention such as a sanitary napkin or light incontinent padthat includes the surface fastening system 140 of the present inventionto hold the sanitary napkin or light incontinent pad in a configurationwrapped around a wearer's panties or underwear. For example, thefastening system 140 may be used to fasten first wing 122 and secondwing 124 of a sanitary napkin 120 about a wearer's panties. Fasteningthe wings of a sanitary napkin 120 about the wearer's undergarment mayhelp ensure that the sanitary napkin 120 will stay in place while in useand provides a means for reducing the likelihood that the undergarmentwill be soiled if the core of the sanitary napkin 120 should leak. Thefastening system 140 of the sanitary napkin 120, for example, mayinclude a first fastening element 160 and a second fastening element170. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, the first fastening element 160may be located on the first wing 122 and the second fastening element170 may be located on the second wing 124. The wings 121 extendoutwardly from the longitudinal edges 150 of the sanitary napkin 120.Alternatively, the first fastening element 160 or the second fasteningelement 170 may be disposed on a portion of the backsheet 126 of thesanitary napkin 120 in a configuration similar to any of the embodimentsdescribed above with respect to a diaper 20. As described above withrespect to other embodiments of the present invention, the fasteningelements 160 and 170 may comprise any known surface fastening means,such as hooks, loops, adhesive, cohesive, magnets, and the like, or anycombination of any of these fasteners. The first fastening element 160and/or the second fastening element 170 may also include any of thesurface fastening system 40 embodiments described above. Although thesurface fastening system 140 is shown in FIG. 17 as the primaryfastening device, the surface fastening system 140 of the presentinvention may be used in conjunction with other means for securing thenapkin 120 to the undergarment or around the undergarment. Othersuitable means include adhesives, cohesives, hooks, loops, friction,static, magnets, and/or any other means known in the art. The surfacefastening system 140 may also be used to fasten the sanitary napkin 120to other devices such as belts or other sanitary guards, or may be usedas a means for wrapping the sanitary napkin 120 in a disposalconfiguration. Examples of sanitary napkins 120 with which the fasteningsystem 140 of the present invention may be used are described in detailin U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,992 entitled “Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps”issued to Van Tilburg on Dec. 7, 1993, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,094entitled “Absorbent Article Having Flaps and Zones of DifferentialExtensibility” issued to Lavash et al. on Feb. 14, 1995, each of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

[0091] In yet another embodiment, a body wrap 220 may include afastening system 240 of the present invention to hold the body wrap 220in a fastened configuration around a portion of a wearer's body such asaround the wearer's waist, torso, leg, ankle, foot, arm, wrist, hand,neck, head, etc. FIG. 18, for example, shows one possible embodiment ofa body wrap 220 of the present invention having a fastening system 240including a first fastening element 260 and a second fastening element270. The first fastening element 260 and the second fastening element270 may extend outwardly from an end edge 250 of the body wrap 220.Alternatively, the first fastening element 260 and/or the secondfastening element 270 may be disposed on a portion of an inner surface224 or an outer surface 226 of the body wrap 220. Further, the firstfastening element 260 and/or second fastening element 270 may includeany of the embodiments described above. One or more of the firstfastening element 260 or the second fastening element 270 may includeone or more surface fastening elements such as retaining element 14disposed on one or more surface of the body wrap 220, and the fasteningelements 260 and 270 may comprise any known surface fastening means,such as those described above. Examples of body wraps 220 with which thesurface fastening system 140 of the present invention may be used aredescribed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,318 entitled “Elastic BackWrap Having Diamond-Shaped Thermal Pattern and Anti-slip Means” issuedto Oullette et al. on Apr. 21, 1998, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,945entitled “Disposable Elastic Thermal Knee Wrap” issued to Cramer et al.on Jan. 19, 1999, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0092] While particular embodiments and/or individual features of thepresent invention have been illustrated and described, it would be clearto those skilled in the art that various other changes and modificationscan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Further, it should be clear that all combinations of suchembodiments and features are possible and can result in preferredexecutions of a invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intendedto cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope ofthis invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article having a surface fastening system anda primary direction of load bearing, the surface fastening systemincluding: at least one first fastening element, the first fasteningelement including: an attached portion joined to the article, saidattached portion being fully or intermittently attached to the article;at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, saidliftable portion being adapted to be lifted away from the article; andat least one hinge line positioned between the attached portion and theliftable portion, wherein the hinge line is disposed at an angle lessthan 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing; andat least one second fastening element affixed at a second position tothe article and at least a portion of the second fastening element isconfigured to be releasably engageable with at least a portion of theliftable portion of the first fastening element, wherein when said firstand second fastening element are engaged and encountering a loadsubstantially in a z-direction said liftable portion lifts away fromsaid article, wherein the z-direction is defined by an axis which isgenerally perpendicular to an x-axis and a y-axis, wherein the x-axis isgenerally oriented along the primary direction of load bearing, whereinthe y-axis is generally perpendicular to the x-axis and generallyoriented within a plane of the article.
 2. The article of claim 1,wherein the second fastening element includes: an attached portionjoined to the article; at least one liftable portion extending from theattached portion; at least one hinge line positioned between theattached portion and the liftable portion, the at least one hinge lineintersected by the primary direction of load bearing with at an angleless than 90 degrees; and the liftable portion of the first fasteningelement is configured to be releasably engageable with the liftableportion of the second fastening element.
 3. The article of claim 2,wherein the peel load capacity during use is greater than or equal toabout 1000 grams.
 4. The article of claim 3, wherein the fasteningsystem may be disengaged in a peel mode through intentional fasteningsystem disengagement with a peel load of less than about 1000 grams. 5.An article having a surface fastening system, the surface fasteningsystem including: at least one first fastening element, the firstfastening element including: at least one retaining element; an attachedportion joined to the article, said attached portion being fully orintermittently attached to the article; at least one liftable portionextending from the attached portion, wherein at least about 5% of theretaining element is located on the liftable portion, said liftableportion being adapted to be lifted away from the article; at least onehinge line positioned between the attached portion and the liftableportion; at least one second fastening element with a retaining elementis affixed at a second position to the article and at least a portion ofthe retaining element of the second fastening element is configured tobe releasably engageable with at least a portion of the retainingelement of the first fastening element on the liftable portion of thefirst fastening element, wherein when said first and second fasteningelement are engaged and encountering a load substantially in az-direction said liftable portion lifts away from said article, whereinthe z-direction is defined by an axis which is generally perpendicularto an x-axis and a y-axis, wherein the x-axis is generally orientedalong the primary direction of load bearing, wherein the y-axis isgenerally perpendicular to the x-axis and generally oriented within aplane of the article.
 6. The article of claim 5, wherein the firstfastening element is positioned to the front of the wearer.
 7. Thearticle of claim 5, further including a longitudinal centerline; and alateral centerline wherein the hinge line intersects the longitudinalcenterline and the lateral centerline.
 8. The article of claim 5,further including a primary direction of load bearing wherein theprimary direction of load bearing is disposed at an angle less than 90degrees relative to the at least one hinge line.
 9. The article of claim5, wherein the second fastening element further comprises: at least oneretaining element; an attached portion joined to the article; at leastone liftable portion extending from the attached portion; and at leastone hinge line positioned between the attached portion and the liftableportion, the at least one hinge line intersecting the longitudinalcenterline.
 10. The article of claim 9, wherein at least about 5% of thesecond fastening element retaining element is located upon the secondfastening element liftable portion.
 11. The article of claim 5, whereinthe peel load capacity during use is greater than or equal to about 1000grams.
 12. The article of claim 5, wherein the article includes adisposable diaper, sanitary napkin, body wrap, or medical bandage. 13.The article of claim 5, wherein the article includes a liquid pervioustopsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core interposedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet.
 14. An absorbent article havinga liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to thetopsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet; a first waist region, a crotch region, a second waist region,opposite side panels, a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, aprimary direction of load bearing, and a surface fastening system, thesurface fastening system including: at least one first fasteningelement, the first fastening element including: at least one attachedportion joined to the article, said attached portion being fully orintermittently attached to the article; at least one liftable portionextending from the attached portion, said liftable portion being adaptedto be lifted away from the article; at least one retaining elementwherein at least 5% of the retaining element is disposed on the liftableportion; and at least one hinge line positioned between the attachedportion and the liftable portion; and at least two second fasteningelements with retaining elements, the second fastening elements disposedon the opposite side panels so as to be generally attachable in a faceto face relationship with at least a portion of the liftable portion ofat least one first fastening element when the surface fastening systemis in a fastened configuration; and the retaining elements of the atleast two second fastening elements releasably engageable with at leasta portion of the retaining element disposed on the liftable portion ofthe at least one first fastening element, wherein when said first andsecond fastening element are engaged and encountering a loadsubstantially in a z-direction said liftable portion lifts away fromsaid article, wherein the z-direction is defined by an axis which isgenerally perpendicular to an x-axis and a y-axis, wherein the x-axis isgenerally oriented along the primary direction of load bearing, whereinthe y-axis is generally perpendicular to the x-axis and generallyoriented within a plane of the article.
 15. The article of claim 14,wherein the hinge line intersects the longitudinal centerline and thelateral centerline.
 16. The article of claim 14, wherein the hinge lineintersects the primary direction of load bearing at an angle less than90 degrees.
 17. The article of claim 14, wherein the first fasteningelement includes a flap with a retaining element.
 18. The article ofclaim 14, wherein the first fastening element includes a maskingelement.
 19. The article of claim 14, wherein the first surfacefastening element includes a stiffening element.
 20. The article ofclaim 14, wherein the liftable portion includes an elastomeric portion.21. A pant-like article having a surface fastening system and a primarydirection of load bearing, the surface fastening system including: atleast one first fastening element, the first fastening elementincluding: an attached portion joined to the article, said attachedportion being fully or intermittently attached to the article; at leastone liftable portion extending from the attached portion, said liftableportion being adapted to be lifted away from the article; and at leastone second fastening element affixed at a second position to the articleand at least a portion of the second fastening element is configured tobe releasably engageable with at least a portion of the liftable portionof the first fastening element, wherein said first fastening element andsaid second fastening element are pre-fastened.